Cold Pack Chemistry: Exploring Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
- Define the criteria and constraints of an engineering problem (designing an instant cold pack)
- Identify the chemical reaction that best meets the criteria and constraints
![]() OverviewHow do "instant" cold packs get cold when they are stored at room temperature, unlike a regular ice pack which must be stored in the freezer? In this lesson plan, students will explore several endothermic and exothermic reactions, and use their observations to choose the chemical reaction that best fits the design constraints for their own chemical cold pack.NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() For the entire class:
Each group will need:
* A 50 mL beaker will allow you to immerse the thermometer bulb in about 20 mL of water. If you use larger beakers, you will need to make sure you use enough water to immerse the thermometer bulb, and increase the amounts of the other reactants proportionally so you maintain the same concentrations. Disclaimer: Science Buddies participates in affiliate programs with Home Science Tools, Amazon.com, Carolina Biological, and Jameco Electronics. Proceeds from the affiliate programs help support Science Buddies, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and keep our resources free for everyone. Our top priority is student learning. If you have any comments (positive or negative) related to purchases you've made for science projects from recommendations on our site, please let us know. Write to us at scibuddy@sciencebuddies.org. Reviews |
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
2.5-4.5 hours
Total Time
2.5-4.5 hours
Area of Science
Chemistry
Key Concepts
Temperature, chemical reactions, endothermic reactions, exothermic reactions
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
Learning Objectives
Teacher Tool Box
|
Explore Our Science Videos
Flower Dissection - STEM Activity
|
Solubility Science - STEM Activity
|
Make a Hygrometer to Measure Humidity - STEM activity
|